The White Sox vs. the Cubs is a crosstown classic that everyone in Chicago loves to watch. But where did it start?
The rivalry was always strong, with the Cubs calling the North Side home and the White Sox rooted in the South Side. However, the only time that they faced each other in the World Series was back in 1906. The underdog White Sox, nicknamed the "Hitless Wonders," managed to defeat the Cubs in six games, despite the Cubs having a record-setting 116-win season.
It wasn't until 1997 that regular-season interleague play began between the two teams. All matchups before that were limited to exhibition games.
The Crosstown Cup was introduced in 2010, with the award going to the team that wins the season series. The White Sox held the trophy for the first three years, while the Cubs secured it for the first time in 2013.
There were many memorable moments that Chicagoans still talk about today.
On May 20, 2006, a notable altercation occurred when White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski collided with Cubs catcher Michael Barrett at home plate. This lead to a bench-clearing brawl and multiple ejections.
There are also many impressive records held between the two teams. The highest combined run total in a Crosstown Classic game is 30, achieved on August 27, 2021, when the White Sox defeated the Cubs 17-13.
Sammy Sosa currently leads the Cubs with 11 home runs against the White Sox, while Paul Konerko holds the record for the White Sox with 10 homers against the Cubs.
As of today, the White Sox lead the regular-season series against the Cubs, with a record of 78-70.
The first set of games between the White Sox and the Cubs takes place May 16-18. If you missed your chance at tickets, don't worry! They face off again July 25-27.
So, who are YOU gonna root for?